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Charleston,  S,  C 

HER  RESOURCES  AND  ADVANTAGES 

ISSUED  BY  THE  CHARLESTON  CHAMBER  OF  COMMERCE 


WALKER,  EVANS  4 COGSWELL  CO.,  CHARLESTON,  S.  C. 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 
in  2017  with  funding  from 
Duke  University  Libraries 


https://archive.org/details/charlestonscherrOOchar 


CHARLESTON 


HER  INDUSTRIES,  RESOURCES,  OPPOR- 
TUNITIES, ADVANTAGES. 

LONG  the  Atlantic  seaboard, 
the  recognized  commercial 
backbone  of  the  United 
States,  two  cities  stand  out 
as  pre-eminently  the  first 
and  foremost  ports  of  their 
respective  sections — New 
York  in  the  North;  Charles- 
ton in  the  South. 

Possessing  many  points  of 
similarity,  these  two  cities 
have  long  been  recognized  as  important  shipping  and 
distributing  centers  by  both  the  government  and  the 
world  of  trade. 

Exceptional  as  are  Charleston’s  remarkable  advanta- 
ges as  a port,  recent  development  of  the  great  territory 
of  which  she  is  the  natural  distributing  center  and  the 
vast  riches  lying  at  her  very  doors  make  certain  im- 
mediate and  continued  extensions  of  them. 

THE  PURPOSE  OF  THIS  WORK. 

It  is  the  purpose  of  this  little  volume  to  set  forth  a 
few  of  the  salient  facts,  figures  and  statistics  regarding 
Charleston  with  each  and  every  statement  easily  proved 
by  the  official  and  authentic  records  from  which  they 
have  been  compiled. 

As  for  the  booklet’s  mission — its  purpose  is  at  one 


Charleston,  S.  C. 


time  to  place  the  world  at  large  in  intimate  acquaintance 
with  the  conditions,  growth,  resources,  advantages  and 
facilities  of  Charleston  of  today  and  to  correct  any 
misapprehensions  or  mistakes  on  the  part  of  the  mis- 
informed. 


ONLY  AUTHORITATIVE  FIGURES  USED, 

As  to  the  value  of  the  contents,  each  and  every  sta- 
tistic, figure  and  statement  may  be  absolutely  relied 
upon  as  authoritative.  Wherever  possible,  official  records 
have  been  used.  When  this  was  impossible,  the  testi- 
mony of  same,  conservative  business  and  professional 
men — those  in  a position  to  know  whereof  they  speak — 
has  been  substituted. 

EDITED  BY  REPRESENTATIVE  BUSINESS  MEN. 

Published,  edited  and  collected  under  the  personal 
supervision  and  direction  of  the  municipal  government 
of  Charleston,  the  Manufacturers,’  Jobbers’  and  Bank- 
ers Association  and  the  Charleston  Chamber  of  Com- 
merce, every  page  has  been  carefully  revised  and  en- 
dorsed by  men  of  affairs  who  have  insisted  that  only 
cold  facts  be  used  and  that  any  exaggeration  of  exces- 
sive local  pride  and  patriotism  be  absolutely  eliminated 
and  conservatism  and  the  plain  truth  be  substituted. 

For  this  reason,  glittering  generalities — so  interesting 
and  attractive  to  the  casual  reader — have  been  avoided 
and  only  such  statements  are  made  as  may  guide  aright 
the  prospective  manufacturer,  investor  or  citizen  and 
such  information  is  given  as  may  be  absolutely  de- 
pended upon  by  business  men. 

A word  in  passing  regarding  the  transportation 
facilities  of  Charleston  although  the  subject  will  be 
taken  up  in  detail  under  the  proper  heading  later. 

charleston’s  co-operation  with  railroads. 

During  the  past  two  years,  there  has  been  much 
legislation — especially  in  Southern  States  and  munici- 


Page  Four 


Commercial  Importance 


Page  Five 


COUNTY  COURT  HOUSE.  CITY  HALL. 


Strategic  Location 


palities — against  railroads,  public  utilities  and  great 
corporations.  In  the  face  of  such  drastic  legislation  and 
antagonism,  Charleston’s  position  has  been  both  unique 
and  progressive.  While  demanding  a strict  regulation 
of  corporate  wealth  in  its  relation  to  the  public.  Charles- 
ton of  today  has  constantly  looked  to  better  service  and 
facilities  so  far  as  the  big  transportation  companies  are 
concerned. 

UNEQUALLED  INDUCEMENTS  TO  MANUFACTURERS,  ETC. 

This  policy,  added  to  her  natural  advantages  of  posi- 
tion, her  port  with  its  water  rates  and  unexcelled  harbor 
facilities,  form  a combination  offering  unequalled  in- 
ducements to  the  manufacturer,  the  shipper  and  the 
business  man. 

And  it  is  the  acceptance  of  these  advantages  that  is 
constantly  bringing  in  new  capital,  new  enterprises  and 
new  citizens  which  have  made  and  are  making  the 
Charleston  of  today  and  of  tomorrow. 

HER  COMMERCIAL  IMPORTANCE  RECOGNIZED. 

The  importance  of  Charleston’s  position  from  both  a 
commercial  and  a strategic  point  of  view  has  been 
recognized  by  every  historian.  But  great  as  had  been 
her  acknowledged  position  in  the  past,  her  present 
and  future  importance  is  best  proved  by  the  expendi- 
tures which  are  now  being  made  to  provide  facili- 
ties to  meet  her  growing  needs  for  this  and  future 
generations. 

government’s  recognition  of  charleston. 

The  federal  government,  too,  is  recognizing  Charles- 
ton’s growing  needs  in  a most  practical  way.  The  key 
to  the  South  Atlantic  Seaboard,  the  government  has 
expended  a larger  amount  on  the  garrisons  and  fortifi- 
cations guarding  the  city’s  approaches  than  on  any 
other  South  Atlantic  port. 


Page  Seven 


Charleston,  S.  C. 


charleston’s  mammoth  dry  dock. 

As  a result  of  a careful  examination  of  Charleston 
Harbor  by  a commission  of  experts,  a great  navy  yard 
has  been  established  on  the  Cooper  River  about  two  and 
a half  miles  from  the  city  limits.  Some  three  millions 
of  dollars  have  already  been  expended  on  this  work  and 
the  first  dry  dock  constructed  of  granite,  6i8  feet  long; 
154  feet  wide;  44  feet  deep;  has  been  completed. 

A $15,000,000  NAVY  YARD. 

The  estimated  cost  of  completing  the  government’s  plans 
will  necessitate  the  expenditure  of  a sum  in  excess  of  fifteen 
million  dollars. 

$3,500  DAILY  WAGES  FOR  NAVY  YARD. 

Not  only  does  this  great  establishment  require  the  pres- 
ence of  a large  army  of  workmen  during  its  construction 
but  when  completed  will  emplov  more  than  2,000  persons 
with  an  average  pay  roll  of  $3,500  a day  or  in  excess  of 
$20,000  a week. 

FERTILIZER  CENTER  OF  THE  WORLD. 

Notwithstanding  the  fact  that  the  great  truck  industry 
of  Charleston  feeds  millions  annually  in  far-away  sections, 
that  she  is  the  world’s  largest  sea-island  cotton  market,  and 
that  her  facilities  as  a port  give  unequalled  advantages  in 
the  way  of  transportation  rates,  it  is  as  the  recognized  cen- 
ter of  the  fertilizer  industry  that  the  Charleston  of  to-day 
is  perhaps  best  known. 

400,000  TONS  OF  FERTILIZER  SHIPPED  ANNUALLY. 

That  Charleston  leads  the  world  in  this  respect  is  proved 
by  the  fact  that  she  ships  an  average  of  400,000  tons  an- 
nually. Perhaps  this  enormous  tonnage  can  be  better  real- 
ized when  it  is  known  that  this  amount  represents  30.000 
car  loads  a season.  This  is  equal  to  too  car  loads  for  every 


Page  Eight 


Marine  Improvements 


Page  Nine 


commercial  club  building. 


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Lumber  Output 


business  day  in  the  year  or  400  cars  a day  for  every  busi- 
ness day  during-  the  fertilizer  season. 

$7,500,000  OF  FERTILIZER  A YEAR. 

The  total  sales  value  of  this  industry  alone  exceeds  the 
sum  of  $7,500,000  each  year. 

The  phosphate  rock,  which  is  the  basis  of  the  fertilizers, 
is  mined  within  a few  miles  of  the  city. 

TREMENDOUS  INCREASE  IN  LUMBER  OUTPUT. 

Another  of  the  newer  industries  which  has  played  a most 
important  part  in  the  realization  of  Charleston  is  the  manu- 
facture of  lumber.  A few  years  ago  there  were  the  usual 
number  of  saw-mills  to  be  found  in  a large  seaport.  With 
the  coming  of  new  blood  and  the  infusion  of  intelligent  en- 
thusiasm on  the  part  of  the  present  generation,  this  in- 
dustry was  given  special  attention.  With  unecjualled  water 
ways  and  two  of  the  largest  railroad  systems  in  the  South, 
the  development  of  this  industry  alone  shows  an  increase 
of  over  300  per  cent,  in  the  past  five  years.  And  so  excep- 
tional are  the  many  natural  advantages  for  assured  profits 
in  this  direction  that  it  is  still  increasing  rapidly  and  offers 
inducements  which  are  attracting  large  operators  in  dis- 
tant sections  of  the  country. 

OVER  100,000,000  FEET  OF  LUMBER  A YEAR. 

The  mills  of  Charleston  last  year  sawed_  far  in  excess 
of  100,000,000  feet  of  lumber;  over  85,000,000  feet  being 
sent  into  the  export  trade.  Planing  mills  and  other  wood- 
working establishments  give  employment  to  hundreds  of 
hands  at  wages  which  greatly  increase  the  city’s  weekly 
pay  roll. 

UNLIMITED  OPPORTUNITIES  IN  TRUCK  GROWING. 

The  trucking  industry  also  proves  the  wonderful  advan- 
tages offered  in  Charleston.  Remarkable  as  are  the  figures 


Page  Eleven 


Charleston,  S.  C. 


below,  the  wonderful  growth  of  this  truck  growing  section 
is  even  more  wonderful.  It  shows  that  the  industry  is  as 
yet  in  its  infancy  and  that  the  opportunities  are  practically 
unlimited.  Its  value  to  the  city  is  apparent. 

More  than  this  the  soil  and  climate  have  produced  such 
practical  results  that  by  careful  estimates  by  those  who 
have  made  this  subject  a life  study,  it  is  figured  that  the  net 
profits,  after  every  expense  of  making  and  marketing  the 
crops  had  been  deducted,  was  $1,297,000  for  the  year  1906, 
the  last  year  for  which  the  official  figures  are  available. 


$3,717,000  IN  TRUCK  FOR  ONE  YEAR. 

Taking  the  1906  crop  for  example — and  the  industry  is 
growing  rapidly  every  year — the  gross  value  represents  the 
sum  of  $3,717,000.  Deducting  the  net  profit,  this  shows 
that  for  the  one  year  the  sum  of  $2,420,000  was  expended 
in  Charleston  and  vicinity  in  fertilizer,  labor,  rent,  seed, 
empty  packages,  etc.  More  growers  have  become  independ- 
ent here  than  at  any  other  point,  quite  a number  becoming 
rich. 


SEVERAL  CROPS  RAISED  EACH  YEAR. 

Thanks  to  the  mild  climate,  one  thing  or  another  can  be 
kept  growing  the  year  around.  When  it  is  not  something 
for  the  market,  it  is  provender  for  the  stock  used  upon  the 
farm  thus  aiding  to  keep  the  expense  of  production  down  to 
a minimum  and  allowing  full  power  of  the  land  to  be  devoted 
to  the  money  crops  during  the  most  profitable  seasons. 

TRUCK  GROWING  INDUSTRY  STILL  IN  ITS  INFANCY. 

The  following  carefully  prepared  figures  from  authentic 
records  prove  the  tremendous  growth  of  this  industry,  inci- 
dentally, large  as  are  the  figures  and  particularly  the  profits, 
it  conclusively  shows  that  truck  growing  in  this  section  is 
in  its  infancy  and  that  there  is  plenty  of  room  for  additional 
profits  for  the  right  kind  of  people  who  are  looking  for  in- 
vestments paying  big  dividends. 


Page  Trvelve 


Truck  Industry 


Page  Thirteen 


ROPER  HOSPITAL. 


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Valuable  Crops 


COMPARATIVE  FIGURES  SHOWING  GROWTH  OF  TRUCK 
AND  INDUSTRY. 


AVERAGE  FOR  FIVE  YEARS  EXCLUSIVE  OF  1906 


Potatoes  (Irish) 

1906 

No.  of  Acres  Grown  

8,000 

6,400 

No.  of  Barrels  Grown  

400,000 

288,000 

Value  

$800,000  00 

$864,000  00 

Potatoes  (Sweet) 

No.  of  Acres  

1,200 

1,200 

No.  of  Bushels 

32,500 

30,000 

Value  

$ 12,000  00 

$ 10,000  00 

Cabbages 

No.  of  Acres  

7,000 

6.600 

No.  of  Crates  

1,050,000 

1,180,000 

Value  . 

$940,000  00 

$1,416,000  00 

Asparagus 

No.  of  Acres  

900 

850 

No.  of  Bunches 

540,000 

510,000 

Value  

$108,000  00 

$105,000  00 

Cucumbers 

/ 

No.  of  Acres  

2,500 

3,000 

No.  of  Baskets  

500,000 

750,000 

Value  

$300,000  00 

$562,000  00 

Beans 

No.  of  Acres  

2,500 

2,200 

No.  of  Baskets  

375-000 

165,000  00 

Value  

$187,000  00 

$275,000  00 

Green  Peas 

No.  of  Acres  

1,400 

1,000 

No.  of  Baskets 

70,000 

50,000 

Value  

$ 70,000  00 

$50,000  00 

Page  Fifteen 


Charleston,  S.  C. 


Other  vegetables,  such  as  beets,  carrots,  radish,  cauliflower, 
spinach,  turnips,  etc. 


No.  of  Acres  

2,500 

2,500 

Value  

$250,000  00 

$300,000 

Strawberries 

No.  of  Acres  

400 

450 

No.  of  Quarts - 

1,500.00 

1,600  00 

Value  

$120,000  00 

)— 1 

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0 

Summary  1906  Crops: 

Total  No.  of  Acres  planted 

....  24,200 

Gross  Value  of  Crops 

$3,717,000  00 

Cost  Producing  Crops 

2,420,000 

00 

Net  Profits  

$1,297,000 

00 

OVER  $3,000,000  IN  LIME  AND  CEMENT  A YEAR. 

The  increase  in  the  lime  and  cement  business  has  been 
remarkable  and  has  proved  a factor  in  the  enormous  tonnage 
to  Charleston’s  credit.  The  sales  in  1906  were  more  than 
all  the  other  South  Atlantic  ports  combined,  the  total  exceed- 
ing the  sum  of  $3,000,000. 

DIVERSITY  OF  MANUFACTURING  PLANTS. 

The  city  numbers  many  other  manufactories.  Of  these 
three  large  plants  devoted  to  cotton  yarns,  bags  and  bagging, 
two  of  which  rank  among  the  largest  in  the  country,  employ 
over  1,000  hands.  Other  miscellaneous  factories  include 
plants  for  the  making  of  carriages,  wagons,  doors,  sash  and 
blinds,  brick,  paints,  mattress,  lead  works,  soap,  baskets, 
oyster  and  vegetable  canneries,  cigars,  candies,  jewelry,  over- 
alls, shirts,  clothing,  underwear,  pants,  cotton  seed  products 
and  oils,  harness  and  saddlery,  machinery,  boilers,  engines, 
and  ship  building. 


Page  Sixteen 


Lime  and  Cement 


Page  Seventeen 


POST  OFFICE.  CUSTOM  HOUSE. 


1 


■1 


Jobbing  Center 


OVER  5,000  HANDS  WORK  THROUGHOUT  THE  YEAR. 

Over  lOO  of  these  have  been  forced  by  the  demands  of 
growing  business  to  make  many  improvements  and  enlarge- 
ments. Employing  over  5,000  operatives,  with  a weekly  pay 
roll  exceeding  $25,000,  they  are  working  to  their  fullest 
capacity  the  year  around. 

GREATEST  JOBBING  CENTER  ON  SOUTH  ATLANTIC  COAST. 

For  many  generations,  Charleston  has  enjoyed  a repu- 
tation as  a jobbing  center.  Recently,  this  reputation  has 
been  greatly  strengthened  by  the  injection  of  new  blood  and 
that  same  intelligent  enthusiam  which  has  been  responsible 
for  big  increase  in  other  branches  of  trade.  Possessing  the 
finest  harbor  on  the  South  Atlantic  Coast,  the  hearty  co- 
operation of  the  railroads  and  all  the  advantages  belonging 
to  through  water  rates  from  the  big  manufacturing  cen- 
ters in  New  England  and  the  East,  this  jobbing  business  has 
forged  ahead  with  rapid  strides. 

One  of  the  most  satisfactory  features  of  Charleston’s  job- 
bing trade  is  her  export  sales ; her  brands  and  qualities  of 
merchandise  entering  successfully  in  competition  with  all 
other  domestic  and  foreign  merchandise. 

CHARLESTON  CUSTOMERS  OVER  MANY  HUNDRED 
MILES  DISTANT. 

Charleston  houses  are  selling  successfully  and  shipping 
from  their  warehouses  merchandise  to  large  trade  centers 
at  distances  of  many  hundreds  of  miles.  Such  a trade  has 
necessitated  the  carrying  of  large  and  complete  stocks  of 
merchandise  including  the  very  highest  grades  in  every  line. 

JOBBING  CENTER  FOR  MANY  COMMODITIES. 

These  include  boots  and  shoes,  dry  goods  and  notions, 
clothing,  pants,  overalls,  underwear,  hardware  and  agricul- 
tural implements,  hats,  caps  and  umbrellas,  machinery  and 
supplies,  carriages  and  buggies,  hardware  supplies,  groceries 
and  provisions,  paints,  oils  and  varnishes,  crockery  and 
chinaware,  harness  and  saddlery,  hay  and  grain,  candies 
and  crackers,  cigars  and  tobacco,  poultry  supplies,  etc.,  etc. 


Page  Nineteen 


Charleston,  S.  C. 


charleston’s  growing  popularity  with  southern 

MERCHANTS. 

As  a result  of  these  stocks,  the  equal  of  any  in  the  country, 
merchants  and  others  who  formerly  visited  New  York  for 
buying  goods,  have  recently  improved  the  many  advantages 
of  buying  nearer  home.  Already  these  jobbers  have  estab- 
lished a predominating  influence  with  the  best  class  of  trade 
in  every  part  of  North  Carolina,  South  Carolina,  Georgia 
and  Florida,  now  widely  known  as  “Charleston’s  Territory,” 
besides  competing  successfully  in  large  portions  of  other 
states. 

HER  EXCEPTIONAL  ADVANTAGES  FOR  RETAIL  TRADE. 

In  retail  trade  Charleston  enjoys  remarkable  advantages 
as  well  as  opportunities : With  so  many  manufacturing 
plants,  industries,  and  wholesale  houses,  the  amount  paid  in 
salaries  and  wages  are  correspondingly  large.  These  sums 
in  constant  circulation  have  been  responsible  for  retail  houses 
equal  to  those  of  any  city  in  the  country.  The  rapid  growth 
and  development  of  natural  resources  also  offers  special  in- 
ducements for  the  investment  of  capital. 

RAPID  GROWTH  SHOWN  BY  POSTAL  RECEIPTS. 

The  rapid  growth  of  Charleston  is  proved  in  many  ways 
but  there  can  be  no  surer  indication  of  her  increasing  com- 
mercial importance  than  is  shown  by  her  post  office  receipts. 

For  the  fiscal  year  ending  June  30th,  1902,  the  post 
office  receipts,  according  to  the  official  figures  were  $107,- 
414.13.  For  the  same  period  ending  June  30th,  1907,  the 
receipts  were  $138,909.84.  During  each  year  the  receipts 
have  shown  a steady  advance  and  the  handsome  building 
with  a clerical  force  of  twenty-three  and  a larger  number  of 
carriers — affords  every  facilit}-  for  the  immediate  delivery 
and  collection  of  all  letters. 

REMARKABLE  SHOWING  OF  BANK  CLEARANCES. 

That  Charleston  is  to-day  one  of  the  great  financial  centers 
of  the  country  is  best  proved  by  a recent  report  of  the 
Commercial  Agency  of  R.  G.  Dunn  & Co.  of  New  York. 


Page  T went}) 


Resources 


Page  T went'^-One 


EAST  BATTERY. 


I 


1 


Clearings  Increased 


While  the  total  bank  exchanges  at  all  cities  in  the  United 
States  for  November,  1907,  were  $9,664,851,552,  a de- 
crease of  29.2  per  cent,  over  the  previous  year,  the  Charles- 
ton Bank  Clearings  for  November,  1907,  showed  an  increase 
of  $680,700  over  November,  1906. 

CHARLESTON,  THE  COUNTRY’S  “ONLY  EXCEPTION.” 

This  same  report  of  the  Dunn  Commercial  Agency  con- 
tinuing, stated  “Nearly  every  city  in  the  South  Atlantic  and 
Middle  Southern  States  showed  a loss  in  bank  clearances 
during  the  month  of  November,  Charleston  being  the  only 
exception.” 

STEADY  INCREASE  IN  CLEARANCES  DURING  DEPRESSION. 

The  fact  that  Charleston  during  the  period  of  financial 
depression  continued  to  show  a steady  increase  in  bank 
clearances  and  was  “the  only  exception,”  leaves  little  room 
in  the  way  of  comment. 

In  October,  1907,  another  month  when  the  entire  country 
suffered  from  adverse  financial  conditions,  the  bank  clear- 
ances of  Charleston  continued  to  show  large  and  substantial 
increases.  For  October,  1907,  the  bank  clearances  showed 
an  increase  of  $1,556,711.82. 

GAIN  OF  $1,500,000  DURING  RECENT  PANIC. 

This  gain  of  more  than  a million  and  a half  dollars  in  a 
single  month  at  a time  when  the  entire  country  was  suffering 
from  a period  of  great  financial  depression  and  uncertainty, 
better  proves  the  substantial,  solid  financial  foundation  of 
the  Charleston  of  to-day  than  many  columns  of  glittering 
generalities  of  fulsome  praise. 

BANK  RESOURCES  OF  OVER  $16,000,000. 

There  are  many  more  figures  to  prove  Charleston’s  re- 
markable strength  and  superiority  in  a financial  way.  The 
city’s  national  banks  at  a recent  period  showed  capital  and 


Page  Trventy-Three 


Charleston,  S.  C. 


surplus,  $1,571,281,  and  deposits,  $3,901,053;  state  banks, 
capital  and  surplus,  $203,527,  and  deposits,  $1,673,832, 
which  savings  banks,  capital  and  surplus,  $1,270,481,  and 
deposits,  $7,747,236;  total  capital  and  surplus,  $3,045,289, 
deposits,  $13,322,121;  a grand  total  of  $16,367,410. 

Such  conditions  leave  absolutely  no  room  for  discussion 
regarding  Charleston’s  position  in  the  financial  circles  of  the 
South  and  the  entire  nation. 

AN  ABUNDANT  WATER  SUPPLY. 

Charleston  has  a complete,  modern  system  of  water  works 
which  abundantly  furnishes  the  needs  of  the  city  and  its 
many  industries.  Many  additions  and  improvements  in  the 
way  of  new  reservoirs  and  filtration  plants  with  the  very 
latest  equipment  have  greatly  increased  the  efficiency  of 
this  fine  supply  of  fresh  water,  which  is  now  distributed 
through  miles  of  water  mains  reaching  every  section  of  the 
city. 


charleston’s  many  beautiful  parks. 

It  has  been  claimed  by  many  distinguished  travelers  that 
Charleston  enjoys  greater  riches  in  the  way  of  beautiful  and 
historic  parks  than  any  other  American  city.  As  early  as 
1670,  the  founders  of  Charleston,  men  of  artistic  taste  and 
refinement,  were  quick  to  appreciate  the  need  of  “green 
spots”  even  in  the  little  colonial  settlement.  Some  of  the  old 
defenses  of  the  city  have  been  transformed  into  beautiful 
parks  and  flower  gardens.  Altogether  over  667  acres  are 
utilized  in  this  way. 


EXCEPTIONAL  EDUCATIONAL  FACILITIES. 

In  this  day  and  generation,  educational  advantages  are  of 
primary  importance  in  the  selection  of  a place  of  residence. 
For  more  than  two  centuries  the  culture  of  Charleston  and 
her  people  has  been  widely  recognized.  There  is  no  better 
illustration  of  this  fact  than  her  extensive  public  school  sys- 
tem including  the  very  best  facilities  for  both  white  and 


Page  Twenty-Four 


Schools  and  Parf^s 


Page  T wenty-Five 


GIBBES  art  institute. 


Charleston,  S.  C 


Page\  Twenty-Six 


IN  IIAMI’TON  PARK. 


Low  Insurance 


colored.  In  addition  to  the  primary,  grammar  and  high 
schools,  the  South  Carolina  Military  Academy,  Porter  Mili- 
tary Academy  and  her  colleges — both  classical  and  medical — 
have  for  generations  added  to  her  reputation  as  a center  of 
learning.  Charleston  also  maintains  a library,  one  of  the 
very  earliest  institutions  in  the  American  Colonies,  which 
contains  valuable  books  of  reference  which  cannot  be  dupli- 
cated in  this  country. 

FINE  HOSPITALS  AND  NOTED  STAFFS. 

A recognized  medical  center.  Charleston  is  rich  in  hos- 
pitals. The  Roper  Hospital,  the  Riverside  and  St.  Francis 
Xavier’s  Infirmaries  are  all  large  institutions  including  the 
most  scientific  equipment  and  medical  and  surgical  director- 
ates, the  equal  of  any  in  the  country.  In  addition  there  are 
private  sanitariums'  and  endowment  funds  for  still  another 
hospital  and  a Nurse’s  Home. 

charleston’s  efficient  police  department. 

Charleston  has  an  efficient  police  department  and  all 
property  and  citizens  have  been  so  carefully  protected  that 
anything  approaching  a riot  or  serious  disturbance  of  any 
kind  is  unknown. 

FIRE  DEPARTMENT — THE  CITY’s  PRIDE. 

The  paid  fire  department  has  since  its  institution,  been 
the  pride  of  the  city.  Generous  appropriations  have  made 
possible  the  enlarging  and  improvement  of  this  department 
until  it  is  second  to  none  in  the  country. 

charleston’s  remarkably  low  insurance  loss. 

The  report  of  the  board  of  fire  masters  for  the  year  igoy 
was  remarkable  and  proved  by  actual  statistics  that  the 
insurance  loss  in  Charleston  is  lower  than  that  of  any  other 
city  in  the  United  States,  with  one  exception.  As  this  fact 
is  certain  to  result  in  rates  of  insurance  in  keeping  with 


Page  T went'^-Seven 


Charleston,  S.  C. 


this  most  exceptional  record,  the  accruing  advantages  to 
all  citizens  of  Charleston  is  apparent. : This  lowest  fire 
loss  is  not  confined  to  the  year  1907,  but  has  been  main- 
tained for  a number  of  years. 

ONLY  $62,000  TOTAL  FIRE  LOSS  FOR  THE  YEAR. 

The  report  of  the  board  of  fire  masters  shows  the  fol- 
lowing : 

AVERAGE  FOR  26  YEARS. 

Property  at  risk $798,556  22 

Insurance  582,358  04 


Loss  on  Real  Estate  $ 20,192  05 

Loss  on  Personal  Property  42,165  58 


Average  Loss  Per  Annum  $ 63,357  63 

The  figures  for  the  year  1907  follows: 

Total  Value  of  Property  at  Risk ; 1,028, 600  51 

Total  Loss  76,801  43 

Loss  Over  Insurance  & Uninsured  10,333  00 

The  most  modern  apparatus  and  equipment,  under- 
ground wires,  the  latest  electric  alarm  boxes,  a drill  school, 
pension  fund,  excellent  discipline  and  capable  officials  have 
proved  factors  in  the  maintaining  of  a department,  the 
enviable  record  of  which  has  attracted  the  attention  of  the 
entire  insurance  world. 


CHARLESTON  AS  A WINTER  RESORT. 

For  many  years  Charleston  has  been  celebrated  as  a 
winter  and  health  resort.  Situated  in  a latitude  embrac- 
ing all  of  the  soft  and  balmy  temperatures  of  the  “Sunny 
South”  it  is  far  enough  north  to  enjoy  a bracing,  invigor- 
ating atmosphere  and  escape  the  enervating  heat  of  a too 
close  approach  to  the  tropics. 


Page  T weniy-Eight 


Tourists'  Resort 


Page  T ivent^-Nme 


CHARLESTON  MUSEUM CANNON  PARK. 


Ideal  Climate 


While  it  is  impossible  to  describe  the  soft  sea  breezes 
that  bring-  health  and  strength  to  the  delicate  and  convales- 
cent and  rejuvenate  the  systems  of  those  -who  have  under- 
gone the  rigors  of  northern  winter,  a few  facts  from  the 
official  records  of  the  United  States  Weather  Bureau  are 
sure  to  prove  profitably  interesting. 

charleston’s  ideal  climate. 

The  average  annual  temperature  of  Charleston  for  thirty 
years  is  66.1  degrees.  For  the  months  of  January,  49.9 
degrees;  February,  52.7;  March,  57.3;  April,  64.8;  May, 
72.9;  June,  79.4;  July,  81.9;  August,  81.0;  September, 
76.4;  October,  66.9;  November,  58.3;  December,  51.6. 

Official  figures  from  the  Weather  Bureau  report  will  best 
show  the  average  temperatures. 

The  figures  are  given  for  a period  of  thirty  years  in 
order  that  a true  average  may  be  understood.  Further 
figures  will  be  cheerfully  given  to  those  specially  interested. 

THOUSANDS  OF  TOURISTS  EACH  YEAR. 

So  blessed  in  the  matter  of  climate,  it  naturally  follows 
that  thousands  make  this  sunshiny  metropolis  their  Mecca — • 
and  the  number  is  rapidly  increasing  each  year  . 


FREE  INFORMATION  FOR  ALL  INTERESTED  TRAVELERS. 

All  information  regarding  accommodations  will  be 
promptly  furnished  and  on  account  of  the  city’s  excellent 
railroad  facilities,  a visit  to  Charleston  while  going  to  or 
from  points  further  South  has  been  made  the  most  de- 
lightful period  in  the  lives  of  thousands  of  those  who 
winter  in  Dixie. 

EVERY  OPPORTUNITY  OFFERED  FOR  ENJOYMENT. 

The  opportunities  for  enjoyment  offered  to  visitors  is 
almost  unlimited.  The  very  best  golf  links,  tennis  courts, 
etc.,  are  to  be  found  as  well  as  every  facility  for  riding  or 


Page  Thirty-One 


Charleston,  S.  C. 


driving-,  -while  the  rivers  and  the  sea  offer  unequalled  ad- 
vantages for  rod  and  gun. 

CHARLESTON,  MOST  HISTORICAL  CITY  IN  COUNTRY. 

To  the  student  of  American  history  or  the  lover  of  the 
beautiful,  Charleston  holds  a position  all  her  own.  Her 
many  gardens  have  been  made  the  scene  of  song  and  story 
by  the  best  writers  for  two  centuries  while  Magnolia  Gar- 
dens and  some  of  the  old  colonial  country  seats  must  always 
be  recognized  as  the  very  finest  types  extant.  Historically, 
Fort  Moultrie  and  Fort  Sumter  suggest  but  two  of  the 
most  important  chapters  in  the  story  of  the  nation  and  there 
are  very  many  others  equally  interesting  and  dramatic. 

MANY  CLUBS  DISPENSE  SOUTHERN  HOSPITALITY. 

Another  delightful  feature  of  both  living  and  visiting 
in  Charleston  are  the  many  Clubs  which  keep  up  the  repu- 
tation of  the  famous  Southern  hospitality.  Among  these, 
the  Commercial  Club,  the  Charleston  Club,  the  Country 
Club,  the  Carolina  Yacht  Club,  and  others  offer  enjoyments 
such  as  can  not  be  adequately  described. 

In  addition  there  are  musical  societies,  art  associations, 
museums,  lecture  courses  and  theatrical  and  operatic  at- 
tractions. 

charleston’s  moderate  cost  of  living. 

The  cost  of  living  is  very  moderate  and  includes  the  very 
best  of  all  creature  comforts.  Labor  is  plentiful  and  owing 
to  the  moderate  cost  of  living  can  be  obtained  much  more 
reasonably  than  in  most  cities.  With  so  many  large  indus- 
tries and  the  rapid  growth  of  the  city,  there  is  always  a 
demand  for  mechanics  and  skilled  artisans  of  all  kinds. 
Any  detailed  information  will  be  promptly  furnished  on  re- 
quest. Charlestonians  dwell  together  in  peace  and  happi- 
ness and  strikes  and  labor  troubles  so  prevalent  in  many 
section  are  very  rare.  In  fact.  Charleston  to-day  offers  al- 
lurements as  a place  of  living  to  both  employer  and  em- 


Page  Thirty-Two 


Public  Service 


Page  Thirty-Three 


COLONIAL  LAKE. 


Pleasure  Resorts 


ployee ; operator  and  operatives ; such  as  cannot  be  excelled 
anywhere  and  equalled  by  but  very  few  places  in  the 
country. 


MAGNIFICENT  STREET  RAILWAY  SYSTEM. 

Charleston  has  a street  car  system  recognized  as  one  of 
the  best  equipped,  best  managed  and  most  modern  in  the 
South.  Schedules  provide  for  cars  reaching  every  section 
of  the  city  at  freciuent  intervals.  Transfers  are  used  which 
enable  passengers  to  ride  from  one  end  of  the  city  to  the 
other  for  a single  five  cents  fare. 

The  System  is  kept  thoroughly  up-to-date  in  every  re- 
spect and  the  increase  in  receipts  is  another  practical  proof 
of  the  remarkable  growth  of  the  city.  These  receipts  show 
an  increase  of  38  per  cent,  during  the  past  nine  years  and 
eight  and  one-half  per  cent,  during  the  past  year. 

CHARLESTON — A DELIGHTFUL  SUMMER  RESORT. 

It  is  impossible  to  more  than  mention  some  of  the  famous 
summer  resorts  which  are  really  a part  of  Charleston.  Old 
historic  Fort  Moultrie  with  its  grave  containing  the  last 
remains  of  that  dauntless  warrior  of  the  Seminoles, 
Osceola,  the  military  garrisons  and  coast  defenses  with  their 
gigantic  disappearing  siege  guns  and  the  dress  parades, 
band  concerts  and  spectacular  events  incidental  to  military 
life  in  a large  post  of  the  United  States  Army,  attract  many 
visitors  to  Sullivan’s  Island  in  addition  to  the  large  colony 
who  make  the  beautiful  cottages  and  hotels  their  summer 
home  during  the  season. 

MANY  PLEASURES  OF  BEAUTIFUL  ISLE  OF  PALMS. 

The  Isle  of  Palms,  with  its  hotel,  pavilions  and  every 
accessory  and  comfort  belonging'  to  a modern  seashore 
resort,  is  too  well  known  to  recjuire  more  than  mere  men- 
tion. The  perfect  beach,  recognized  as  one  of  the  finest 
on  the  Atlantic  coast,  makes  the  bathing  hours  at  this  place 
the  delight  of  many  thousands.  Large  expenditures  have 


Page  Thirt})-Five 


Charleston,  S.  C. 


added  much  to  the  natural  beauty  of  this  favored  spot  with 
its  tropical  magnificence  of  foliage.  This  is  one  of  the 
favorite  vacation  homes  in  the  South  and  besides  the  perm- 
anent guests,  excursions  draw  additional  thousands  from 
all  parts  of  Dixie  each  summer. 

It  is  through  the  enjoyment  of  such  remarkably  diversi- 
fied advantages  as  well  as  natural  resources  that  Charleston 
is  to-day  an  all  the  year  round  resort.  The  large  sums  of 
money  spent  by  these  tourists  is  a factor  in  the  commercial 
growth  of  the  city  and  each  year  shows  a big  increase  over 
the  previous  twelvemonth. 


IMPORTS  EXCEEDED  BOTH  NORFOLK  AND  SAVANNAH. 

One  of  the  most  conclusive  proofs  of  the  growth  of  the 
city  is  given  in  the  report  of  the  chairman  of  the  board  of 
pilot  commissioners  for  1907,  showing  that  the  imports 
of  Charleston  exceed  the  combined  imports  of  Norfolk  and 
Savannah. 


YEAR  OF  1907  BREAKS  ALL  RECORDS. 

The  arrival  of  both  foreign  and  domestic  vessels  (meas- 
ured by  registered  tonnage),  for  1907,  exceeded  that  of 
any  previous  year  in  the  history  of  the  port. 


$3,528,553  in  imports  for  1907. 

The  value  of  imports  for  1907,  amounted  to  $3,528,553, 
a gain  of  $700,000  over  1906,  and  more  than  any  Atlantic 
port  south  of  Baltimore  and  greater  than  the  combined 
receipts  of  Savannah  and  Norfolk. 

While  the  maximum  draft  of  a vessel  entering  the  har- 
bor was  27  feet,  the  official  report  states  that  “we  have 
the  necessary  water  and  skilled  pilots  to  safely  bring  in 
drafts  of  thirty  feet,  with  water  to  spare.”  The  number 
of  officers  and  sailors  annually  visiting  the  port  is  conserv- 
atively estimated  at  six  thousand.  This,  of  course,  does 
not  include  those  of  the  regular  coastwise  steamship  lines. 


Page  Thiri^-Six 


Large  Importations 


P age  Thirty-Seven 


MANUFACTURING  PLANTS COOPER  RIVER. 


Convenient  Port 


HER  UNPARELLELED  ADVANTAGES  FOR  NEW  ENTERPRISES 

The  advantages  Charleston  has  to  offer  as  the  location 
of  commercial  enterprise  and  industrial  establishments  are 
without  a parallel  as  can  be  proved  by  actual  facts  and 
government  statistics. 

SOME  WONDERFUL  HARBOR  FIGURES. 

With  twenty-seven  feet  of  water  in  the  shallowest  place 
on  the  bar  at  low  tide,  the  port  has  thirty-two  feet  when 
the  tide  is  full,  thus  providing  ample  depth  for  the  vessels 
of  heaviest  draft.  The  harbor  is  securely  land-locked,  and 
its  accommodations  for  fleets  of  merchant  vessels  or  naval 
battleships  are  almost  unlimited. 


ADMIRAL  DICKINS  ON  HARBOR  ADVANTAGES. 

Admiral  Dickins  of  the  United  States  Navy  recently  said  : 
“The  harbor  is  a commodious  one  and  the  water  on  the  bar 
will  now  permit  any  of  our  battleships  to  enter  this  port. 
The  battleship  Texas  has  the  distinction  of  being  the  first 
battleship  to  enter  this  port.  As  is  well  known,  there  is 
thirty  feet  of  water  on  the  bar  at  high  water.  After  enter- 
ing the  harbor  fifty  battleships  with  twenty-six  feet  draft 
can  be  anchored  in  Charleston  harbor  at  single  anchor  400 
yards  apart,  with  a scope  of  forty  fathoms  of  chain.  Sixty- 
five  battleships  with  the  same  draft  and  with  the  same 
scope  of  chain  can  be  moored  in  Charleston  harbor  1,000 
feet  apart.  Thirty-five  battleships  can  be  moored  above  the 
Battery.’’ 

ACCOMMODATIONS  FOR  WORLD’s  NAVIES. 

From  this  statement  it  will  be  seen  that  Charleston  har- 
bor can  easily  accommodate  the  navies  of  the  world. 


STRAIGHT  CHANNEL  AND  LAND-LOCKED  HARBOR. 

A straight  channel  provides  easy  ingress  and  egress  to 
this  land-locked  harbor  and  a stretch  of  water  front  of 


Page  Thirty -Nine 


Charleston,  S.  C. 


nine  miles  is  provided  with  every  facility  in  the  way  of 
wharves,  piers,  etc.  With  the  exception  of  Boston, 
Charleston  is  the  nearest  port  to  the  ocean  on  the  entire 
Atlantic  coast.  The  labor  for  loading  and  unloading  ves- 
sels promptly  is  ample  and  the  charges  moderate. 

GATEWAY  OF  COMMERCE  TO  SOUTH  AND  WEST, 

Possessing  these  unequalled  advantages.  Charleston  is 
the  natural  gateway  of  commerce  between  the  South  and 
West  with  the  West  Indies — a trade  which  is  growing 
every  year.  With  the  completion  of  the  Panama  Canal,  no 
port  offers  such  opportunities  for  direct  trade  relations. 
Just  by  way  of  example  the  distance  from  Havana  to  Cin- 
cinnati by  way  of  Charleston  is  300  miles  less  than  by  way 
of  Baltimore;  500  miles  less  than  by  way  of  New  York, 
and  900  miles  less  than  via  Boston.  Then,  too,  her  near- 
ness to  all  of  the  West  Indian  possessions,  Central  and 
South  America;  the  less  perilous  voyage,  lower  insurance 
and  port  charges,  together  with  her  exceptional  terminal 
facilities,  combine  in  making  Charleston  the  greatest  port 
of  the  South  Atlantic  Coast,  as  well  as  one  of  the  fore- 
most centers  of  import  and  export  trade  in  the  country. 

Far-seeing  men  of  affairs  are  already  recognizing  the 
unlimited  opportunities  for  profitable  investment  as  well  as 
accommodations  for  foreign  trade  which  Charleston  offers 
with  the  completion  of  Panama  Canal. 


NEAREST  PORT  TO  MANY  CENTERS  OF  COMMERCE. 

Added  to  Charleston’s  remarkable  facilities  is  the  fact 
that  she  is  nearer  than  any  other  deep-water  port  to  many 
of  the  centers  of  commerce  and  manufacture,  including 
Louisville,  Memphis,  Birmingham,  Alabama,  Greenville, 
Augusta,  Montgomery,  Chattanooga,  Knoxville,  Greens- 
boro, Charlotte,  Macon  and  Columbia.  She  is  also  nearer 
to  St.  Louis  than  any  other  port  except  Baltimore,  and  but 
slightly  further  away  from  Chicago  and  Kansas  City. 


Page  Forty 


Extensive  Harbor 


Page  Forty-One 


CIGAR  FACTORY. 


\ 


Cotton  Market 


FREE  INFORMATION  FOR  ALL  INTERESTED  PARTIES. 

It  is  difficult  to  pass  over  these  many  subjects  which 
olYer  almost  unlimited  opportunities  for  expatiation — al- 
though holding  only  to  actual  facts,  figures  and  statistics — 
but  there  is  no  space  for  such  in  a work  of  this  kind. 
There  is,  however,  information  regarding  any  of  these 
subjects  or  fields  of  industry  for  the  prospective  manu- 
facturer, investor,  business  man,  homeseeker  or  interested 
party. 

But  in  spite  of  the  fact  that  mention  has  been  made  of 
so  many  of  the  resources,  industries,  etc.,  of  the  Charleston 
of  to-day  and  the  certain  remarkable  future  of  the  city, 
there  are  any  number  of  other  special  advantages  and 
privileges  which  have  not  even  been  touched  upon. 


SINGLE  CARGO  OF  30,000  BALES  BREAKS  RECORD. 

Nothing  has  been  said  of  the  volume  of  rice,  general 
merchandise  and  cotton  that  annually  passes  through  this 
port.  The  largest  ship  load  of  cotton  on  record,  over 
30,000  bales,  in  addition  to  a general  cargo,  passed  out 
of  Charleston  harbor.  Although  possessing  a 26- foot 
draft,  she  passed  through  the  channel  at  night  without  the 
least  inconvenience,  trouble  or  risk  of  any  kind. 

world’s  greatest  sea-island  cotton  market. 

Charleston  is  also  the  greatest  sea-island  cotton  market 
in  the  world,  the  very  finest  grades  of  this  long  staple  being- 
shipped  from  this  port  for  the  mills  in  France.  This 
valuable  commodity,  bringing  from  40  to  80  cents  per 
pound,  is  grown  directly  in  the  vicinity  of  the  city  and 
brings  in  an  annual  revenue  of  from  one  to  two 
millions  of  dollars.  Practically  this  entire  amount  is 
spent  and  invested  by  the  growers  in  Charleston.  Many 
large  fortunes  have  been  realized  in  the  cultivation  of  this 
valuable  product. 


Page  Forty -Three 


Charleston,  S.  C. 


RAPID  GROWTH  OF  OYSTER  AND  CANNING  INDUSTRY. 

Neither  has  mention  been  made  of  the  canning  and  oys- 
ter-packing industries,  which  are  being  rapidly  and 
profitably  developed.  The  catching,  shucking  and  canning 
of  these  bivalves  taken  from  the  neighboring  bays  and 
inlets  already  give  employment  to  upward  of  a thousand 
hands,  although  the  business  is  only  in  its  infancy. 

ONLY  TEA  FARMS  IN  AMERICA. 

But  a few  miles  from  Charleston  are  the  only  tea  farms 
in  America.  This  is  still  another  new  industry  that  has 
attracted  the  attention  of  Congress  and  the  Agricultural 
Department.  The  growing  of  fine  grades  of  tea  at  a profit 
has  been  proved  practicable  by  many  years  of  experience. 

HEADQUARTERS  FOR  MANY  BRANCHES  OF  GOVERNMENT. 

The  government’s  recognition  of  the  advantages  of 
Charleston  are  alone  sufficient  to  prove  her  superiority  as 
a South  Atlantic  port.  In  addition  to  the  $15,000,000 
navy  yard  now  in  course  of  construction,  many  branches 
of  the  government  have  their  headciuarters  in  and  around 
Charleston,  and  these  big  pay  rolls  help  much  in  adding 
extensively  to  the  city’s  revenue  while  other  large  amounts 
are  expended  for  supplies,  maintenance,  etc. 

HEADQUARTERS  OF  SIXTH  LIGHT  HOUSE  DISTRICT. 

Charleston  is  the  headquarters  of  the  Sixth  District  of 
the  United  States  Light  House  Service,  and  ships  carrying 
supplies  of  all  kinds  from  this  city  are  constantly  plying  to 
and  from  the  many  stations  along  the  coast. 

As  headquarters  for  this  artillery  district,  the  barracks 
for  this  branch  of  the  service  alone  are  tenanted  by  over 
500  officers  and  men  on  Sullivan’s  Island. 

SOME  REMARKS  IN  CONCLUSION. 

In  conclusion,  it  is  only  fair  and  just  to  state  that  it  is 
quite  impossible  to  give  any  adequate  idea  of  the  indus- 


Page  Forty-Four 


Government’s  Interests 


Page  Forty-Five 


UNION  STATION 


r 


V 


A Home  City 


Page  Forty-Seven 


SOUTH  CAROLINA  MILITARY  ACADEMY. 


Charleston,  S.  C. 


tries,  resources,  opportunities  and  advantages  of  the 
Charleston  of  to-day  in  a work  of  this  limited  nature.  No 
such  attempt  has  even  been  made.  Rather,  a mere  skeleton 
has  been  sketched  so  far  as  official  facts,  figures  and  sta- 
tistics permitted.  The  aim  has  been  merely  to  suggest  some 
of  the  city’s  indisputable  claims  as  the  recognized  port  of 
entry  for  the  entire  South. 

THE  IDEAL  CITY  FOR  HOME  AND  BUSINESS. 

Altogether,  Charleston  is  a charming  and  healthful  place 
of  residence  as  well  as  a city  offering  remarkable  oppor- 
tunities for  the  capitalist,  business  man  and  skilled  work- 
man. In  addition  to  material  advantages,  in  climatic  con- 
ditions and  in  many  other  ways,  nature  has  added  bless- 
ings which  are  the  delight  of  visitors  from  every  section. 
The  cost  of  living  compares  most  favorably  with  that  of 
any  other  American  city  and  in  addition  to  the  finest  mar- 
kets in  the  world  creature  comforts  of  all  sorts,  the  culture, 
refinement  and  educational  advantages  of  Charleston  must 
strongly  appeal  to  the  most  particular  and  discriminating. 

The  present  Charleston  is  offering  exceptional  induce- 
ments as  well  as  advantages  to  manufacturers,  capitalists 
and  legitimate  investments  of  all  kinds. 

NEW  MANUFACTORIES  EXEMPT  FROM  TAXATION. 

Not  only  does  the  city  exempt  new  plants  from  taxation 
for  a period  of  five  years,  but  some  of  the  very  best  sites 
in  Charleston  are  open  to  these  new  concerns,  these  loca- 
tions enjoying  every  advantage  in  the  way  of  shipping, 
terminal  facilities,  etc. 


Page  Forty-Eight 


